Abby Waggoner

The chemistry major has charted a course toward a doctorate in astrochemistry thanks to caring professors and hands-on learning.

When most of us look at the night sky, we see stars and at least one moon. When Abby looks up, she sees a sky filled with questions she wants to figure out. Like, what’s going on in nascent solar systems?

Because of that curiosity, Abby is working on her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and eventually plans to earn her doctorate in astrochemistry studies. Her goal, thanks to a Ball State summer immersive research project, “is to someday work in research to determine chemical compositions and reactions in newly forming solar systems.”

Professors Invest Themselves in Her Education

While on campus, Abby found that her professors were invested in their students and offered project-based learning opportunities, which have helped form the foundation of her future science career.

Ball State is filled with professors who truly care about their students. They have spent long office hours with me, answered all of my questions, and given me guidance in career-making decisions.

Finding Her Love for Research

This ambitious senior came to Ball State because of the many immersive programs and community involvement opportunities for students. Through the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program, Abby conducted full-time research instead of squeezing it in between classes.

“Through this, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in research.” And this summer, she was one of 10 students chosen to be a research intern with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.